Does anyone have experience with the Jena Labs "Step It Up" SUT?


I’m considering adding a SUT as an upgrade to the built in transformers in my EAR 834P. I’m wondering if anyone has any experience with this unit, and how it might compare with more expensive options like the Quadratic MC-1 or the EAR MC4. At $800 for the standard version and $1200 for the enhanced version with additional loading options, it appears to be an excellent value based on Jena’s reputation. But I’ve only been able to find a couple of comments about it on the internet (both positive). Thank you for any insight you can offer, Jon.

https://www.jenalabs.com/info/jena-echo-step-it-up.html

jfrank

Where did you purchase your Phasemation T-550? It only appears to be available at one U.S. dealer, House of Stereo in Florida, and it's a lot more than $1,000. 

The Quadratic MC-1 is made from customized Cinemag  transformers as well, and as I was told, it is not the same as the Bob's Devices blue cinemags.  Some feel the custom Cinemags in the Quadratic are higher performing above the Bob's Devices Sky 40 (blue cinemags).  Knowing this, it might not be fair to assume that because Jena Labs contains Cinemags, that it is similar to Bob's Devices Cinemags in performance.  The Jena Labs web site states that it has custom made transformers made by Cinemag, and so, then a comparison to the Bob's Devices may not be telling of the true sound quality of the Jena.

I own an EAR 834p.  In my experience, adding an external SUT to bypass the internal SUT if you are running a moving coil cartridge has yielded a much better sound.  I think the internal EAR 834p transformers are merely good but can be easily bettered by spending less than $1000 on a SUT.  I have a Bob's Devices Sky 40.  It is excellent.  I also use a Phasemation SUT.  I far prefer the Phasemation.  IMO it better the Sky 40 in almost everything but most important was projection, body of instruments, tone, and dynamics.  Far better in my system.  I think the Phasemation T-550 is a relatively unknown gem. 

 

 

 

Since they are using CineMag transformers you might want to read up on the Bob's Devices.  That is what is being used in those.  I have heard the Bob's Devices Sky Blue 30 with a Ortofon SPU Royal G MK II and it sounded really good.  Those CineMags are on the warmer side,  but they have great sense of scale and meat on the bones sound.  Plenty of favourable reviews on the Bob's Devices